TAMIU Hosts Texas Space Commission, Discusses Education Sector's Role in Burgeoning Space Industry

Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) Office of the Dean recently hosted Norman Roy Garza, executive director of the Texas Space Commission, at a breakfast attended by 30 leaders from Laredo's business, higher education, and secondary education sectors.

The event focused on Texas' growing space industry and leveraging Laredo's strategic location as well as the region's educational resources to position Laredo as a key player in the state's burgeoning commercial space sector, which currently includes five spaceports.

Garza emphasized Laredo's strategic importance as the largest port in the United States, suggesting that it should play a critical role in the supply chain of Texas' rapidly expanding space sector.

He also encouraged community leaders to develop a strategic plan to engage in Texas' efforts to become a leader in space technology and industry, offering suggestions on how Laredo and its educational institutions could position themselves to benefit from the new era of space exploration.

Dr. Marcus Antonius Ynalvez, COAS interim dean, said participants had a lively discussion about their respective activities related to space exploration and STEM education.

"This session provided a valuable networking opportunity for thought leaders across the Laredo educational ecosystem that will foster collaboration and innovation in the field of space exploration," Dr. Ynalvez said.

In attendance representing TAMIU were Dr. Claudia San Miguel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ynalvez, Rosanne Palacios, vice president for Institutional Advancement, Dr. Ruby Ynalvez, associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Projects, Dr. James O’Meara, College of Education dean, Dr. Kenneth Tobin, COAS associate dean, Dr. Tariq Tashtoush, associate professor of Systems Engineering, Dr. Saqib Hussain, associate professor of Mathematics, and Peter Davis, director, TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium.

Representatives from Harmony Schools of Laredo, Laredo College, Laredo Independent School District, Laredo Economic Development Corporation, TAMIU COAS Work Group on Space Exploration and Aviation, United Independent School District, and passionate community leaders including Guillermo "Memo" Benavides also attended.

Dr. Ynalvez, whose college organized the event, highlighted the TAMIU Planetarium's role in expanding literacy, knowledge about astronomy, and space exploration in South Texas. He also discussed the mission of the newly formed COAS Workgroup on Space Exploration and Aviation and its alignment with Texas' Space Exploration Workforce Initiative.

Dr. San Miguel underscored the importance of inter-institutional collaboration. She expressed a strong willingness to work together on initiatives that would enhance Laredo's involvement in space-related economic activities.

Davis presented an overview of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium’s accomplishments, activities, and future. As the only planetarium within a 150-mile radius, it serves as a vital hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and outreach in South Texas.

For more information, please contact Dr. Marcus Ynalvez at 956.326.2633, email mynalvez@tamiu.edu, or visit offices located in the Academic Innovation Center, room 373A.

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